STUDY NO: 1 - "THE LORDSHIP OF CHRIST and the AUTHORITY OF THE SCRIPTURES"

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CHURCH TRUTHS

A Course of Twelve Bible Studies (Prepared by Stuart Stokes)

STUDY NO: 1 - "THE LORDSHIP OF CHRIST and the AUTHORITY OF THE SCRIPTURES"

Part 1: Introductory

(1) The purpose of these Studies is to encourage the examination of the Bible, the Word of God, regarding some distinctive truths found therein, which, although as truly inspired as the Gospel, and also given "for the obedience of faith" to God's people for their observance throughout the entire course of this present age, are nevertheless neglected by many; while others consider them as old-fashioned and out-of-date, or even classify them as non-essentials.

(2) It is not surprising that truths concerning our individual salvation should tend to interest us most, indeed salvation must come first in every individual experience. But there are other truths of equal value in the estimation of Heaven, because they too are the inspired words of the Eternal God, and concern the place and honour of His Son, our Lord Jesus Christ.

(3) These "other truths" are those concerning the Church, the one and only Body of Christ (1 Cor 12.12-13; Eph 1.22-23; 4.4) and the churches or the local assemblies of God's people here on earth, their responsibilities and manner of worship and service (1 Tim 3.15). Such truths are revealed by God in His Word as clearly and as particularly as He has given the Gospel by which we are saved. These truths also are to be received by the Lord's people and observed by them (Mat 28.20). Can it be supposed that God would take great care to reveal the Way of Salvation, and then leave the saved to do that which is right in their own eyes? Certainly not! See Deu 12:8, compare Judges 17.6; 21.25, and what happened in consequence.

(4) What would we feel if anyone arose with the suggestion that a new Gospel should be invented; another Way of Salvation than that one and only Way declared in God's Word, and just because the Divine Way was out-of-date? Would we not resist such a suggestion with all zeal and diligence? And rightly so, see Jude 3. Yet, strange to say, there is great laxity and careless indifference to these other parts of God's Truth, and that even amongst those who are known as true believers in the Lord.

(5) We rejoice to have and hold in common with every true believer in Christ the great and glorious truths of the Gospel and all that concerns our eternal salvation, together with the privileges and responsibilities of the individual Christian life. But we are not prepared to give up, modify or relegate to a place of secondary importance those parts of God's Truth which He, in His infinite wisdom, has included in His Word in order to guide us in our gathering together and fellowship. Truths which instruct us how the Church our Lord is building (Mat 16.18) is constituted and edified, and how His true churches in every place are to worship and serve Him.

(6) The responsibility of ALL who have been redeemed by the precious blood of Christ, and thus brought as subjects into His Kingdom, is to render happy obedience to ALL the commandments of Christ (Joh 14.15, 21, 23; 15.10-14; 1 Joh 2.3-5; 3.22-24). Hence the two-fold title of this first Study - "THE LORDSHIP OF CHRIST and the AUTHORITY OF THE SCRIPTURES". The practical understanding and outworking of these two facts is the foundation of the life of every true Christian, for without them that worship and service which is acceptable to God are impossible. Those prepared to bow to the Lordship of Christ and to submit to the sole authority of His Word, will find their pathway a simple and happy one. For these, there are the promises of Joh 7.17; 16.13-14.

(7) The cost of true Christian discipleship is a real one. Our Lord likened it to a daily cross (Luk 9.23; 14.27). There must be readiness for continual conflict, not against flesh and blood, but with spiritual powers of wickedness in the heavenlies (Eph 6.12). And we may even find that simple and faithful allegiance to God and His Word will put us outside the camp of this world's "religion" and its practices (Heb 13.13).

(8) By placing emphasis upon this subject of Church Truths we do not seek to minimise the vital matters of individual and personal godliness. To be unduly occupied with one aspect of the Truth to the exclusion or neglect of another is one of Satan's devices. Our Lord's will is that we grasp and are held by ALL the counsel of God (Acts 20.27); to exercise ourselves and to be exercised by ALL that he has given for our obedience, both individually and collectively, in the family, in the church, and in the world. Underline the "all" (twice) and "every" of Psa 119.128. But while no true believer will ever deny the importance of what God has written regarding personal holiness and individual obedience, yet there are a great many who seem unaware of the most elementary facts about the Church, or their place as worshippers and servants in the true local churches of God's people.

(9) Hence, in these Studies an attempt is made to present the Scriptural truths concerning our gathering together as Christians for the worship and service of our living God and Saviour. From the outset we must emphasise the vital importance of personal devotion to the Lord. Certainly if we do not first give our own selves to the Lord, it is valueless attempting to give anything else (2 Cor 8.5). But if we do, and both individually and collectively fulfil our privileges and responsibilities according to the pattern God has given us, then there will be godly order (Col 2.5) and also a power and blessing in our gatherings that will make our fellowship together days of "heaven on earth". There will be an attraction to Christ by the freshness, reality and demonstration of the power of the indwelling and over-ruling Holy Spirit. Above all, our Lord will be truly glorified, and both He and the Holy Spirit given their rightful places in the assemblies of God's people.

(10) It is proposed, in the will of the Lord, to present these Studies in the following order:-

I - The Lordship of Christ and the Authority of the Scriptures.

II - The Church, the Body of Christ.

III - The churches (local assemblies), their formation and description.

IV - Worship, and the Priesthood of all believers.

V - Baptism and the Lord's Supper.

VI - Christian Ministry, or service.

VII - Rule in the assembly; elders, pastors, overseers.

VIII - The position of sisters in the assembly.

IX - Discipline in the assembly.

X - Financial matters.

XI - The history of "Christendom".

XII - The Life, Fellowship and Witness of a local assembly.

Part 2: The LORDSHIP OF CHRIST

Suggested Readings: Act 2.32-37; 9.1-7; Rom 12.1-2; Col 3.16-25; 4.1; Philippians 2.5-12;

(1) Satan, the Usurper.

When Adam was created, what was given to Him? Gen 1.26. But when Adam fell by disobeying God, he lost this authority. It fell into the hands of the one to whom he had yielded sinful obedience, even Satan. Rom 6.16; Joh 8.34.

A usurper is one who seizes power wrongfully, and this is how Satan is presented to us in Scripture. How do the following references show that he holds authority in this world and over mankind generally at the present time? Mat 4.8-9; Joh 14.30; 2 Cor 4.4; Eph 2.2; 6.12; 1 Joh 5.19 (where "in wickedness" is "in the wicked one". Note Mat 13.19).

Because Adam obeyed Satan rather than God, Satan obtained the judicial power of death (Rom 5.12; and see Heb 2.14). But though the authority of Satan is real and powerful, both over men and things, it is not his by right, but by robbery. It is necessary to keep this fact before us while seeking to learn from the Word of God the present place of authority which has been given to the Lord Jesus, so that we may honour Him as Lord.

(2) Christ, the Conqueror.

What words of Divine judgement are pronounced upon Satan in Gen 3.15? How does God tell Satan that in the very hour of what seemed to be his victory, the woman's Seed would so bruise him (Satan) that he would be deprived of his usurped authority?

Who is this Seed? Isa 7.14 with Mat 1.21-23, 25; Gal 3.16. When was this prophecy fulfilled? Heb 2.14, where notice that the word rendered "destroy" means "to take away the power of" and is elsewhere translated "loosed" (Rom 7.2). Here we have the potential deliverance of Christ's people through His death, from all the authority of Satan.

To whom is Satan likened in Luk 11.21? Who, then, is the "Stronger than he" of Luk 11.22? What does this "Stronger One" do?

Before Christ's death and resurrection, Satan held the keys of (that is, authority over) the realm of death.

But where are those keys now? Rev 1.18; 3.7

Therefore who is now to be feared? Mat 10.28; and why?

Therefore the true Christian fears the authority of Satan no more. Why was the Son of God manifested? 1 Joh 3.8.

What can make free? Joh 8.32; Gal 5.1.

Who is "the Truth"? Joh 14.6.

Thus Christ, by the sacrifice of Himself, took back the usurped authority (Col 2.14-15).

Hence what does our Lord claim in Mat 28.18?

Note that "power" in this verse is "authority". He is not yet exercising all His authority, nor is He yet claiming all the dominion which by right belongs to Him (Psa 2.8) and which He will one day exercise (Psa 72.8-11).

During this Dispensation of Grace in which we are living, He is patiently waiting until a people have been called out from the remainder in the world by the preaching of the Gospel (Act 15.14); a people happy to acknowledge His Lordship over them and so become His disciples. This company of "called-out-ones", from the day of Pentecost till the Rapture (the Lord's coming for this people), is known as the Church, the Body of Christ (Eph 1.22-23).

(3) The Christian, a Subject.

a) Salvation is deliverance from Hell and from the penalty and power of sin. But what is it also? Act 26.18. It is deliverance out of………….., and translation into………………... See Col 1.13.

Notice that "power" in each of these references is "authority".

b) How are the redemption and deliverance of Israel in the book of EXODUS a type of this?

Was Pharoah their rightful king? Gen 15.13.

What were the Israelites in Egypt? Act 7.6.

But what did God do? Exo 19.4-6.

They became "His dominion" (Psa 114.1-2). Their deliverer became their ruler who spoke to them with authority from God (Act 7.35-37).

How is this the same as with us?

Hence what is our Lord's fourfold commission to us, both for our own obedience and for us to instruct others, for their obedience?

Read carefully in Mat 28.19-20, in the English Revised Version, if possible.

c) Thus are we saved in order to acknowledge His Lordship and to obey His will in all things; not in some things; nor in only those things we approve of, choosing some from among the others. It must be in "all things whatsoever He has commanded". This is what it is to make Him Lord. Not by saying "Lord, Lord" with our lips, yet refusing to do the things He bids us (Luk 6.46). Note the warning in Mat 7.21-23.

What is true in this respect of a person who is saved, must also of necessity be true of a number of saved persons who assemble together for the worship and service of God. It is clear that the first and foremost duty of those so gathering together as a "house of God" is to honour the claims and obey the commandments of the One who is set over the "house", and who is its Head (Heb 3.1-6 with Eph 2.22). The lapse of time makes no difference to the obedience He expects from us. His instructions are as binding on us today as they were when He first gave them. How is this shown in the final words of Mat 28.20?

d) Many Christians, whilst rejoicing in the knowledge of sins forgiven, may not have been exercised regarding their acknowledgement of the Lordship of Christ. But He is not only Saviour; He is Lord and Master also.

What has God made Him? Act 2.36,

Then should we not acknowledge that fact with God?

And in the words of Paul in Act 9.6?

To what end did Christ die and live again? Rom 14.9; 2 Cor 5.15.

Whom must we deny (say "No" to) if we are to take up our cross and follow Christ? Mat 16.24.

What is the event of 2 Cor 5.9-10 that emphasises the importance of acknowledging the Lordship of Christ in our daily lives?

Read Joh 12.26 with Joh 14.23, and find there (i) two Provisos, one of them repeated; (ii) two Proofs (the fulfilment of the "ifs"); and (iii) four wonderful Promises.

e) This, then, is the solemn message of the Lordship of Christ.

Also read 1 Pet 4.1-2. "Forasmuch then as Christ bath suffered for us in the flesh" is a reference to 1 Pet 3.18. "Arm yourselves likewise with the same mind" is a reference to chapter 1 Pet 3.17. Our Lord Jesus, according to the will of God, suffered for sin; He was attacked at all points, tempted to turn aside, to avoid the cross; but He went on steadfastly, doing the will of His Father. We are to arm ourselves with the same mind, living henceforth not to………..? But to…………. A Christian is not to live just to please himself. The last part of verse 1 refers to Christ, for when He had suffered in the flesh, He ceased to have to do with sin. So is the believer dead with Christ to sin, as Romans 6 teaches, The practical effect of this is that we cannot go on in sin, nor doing our own will. When the temptation comes, you rather suffer than give in. You choose to die rather than disobey God.

This is the true Christian, true discipleship, true love for Christ, and true acknowledgment of His Lordship.

*****continue verse checks from here*****

Part 3: The AUTHORITY OF THE SCRIPTURES

Suggested Reading: 2 Timothy 3.12-17;4.1-6; 2 Peter 1.19-21; 3.15; and the Summary of Psalm 119 found in Psalm 19.7-11.

NOTE The title "Bible" comes from the Greek BIBLIA, meaning "the books". Thus not an unsuitable title for this compilation. Though to regard it as "The Book", for "the books" make up a complete whole, is better. The designation "Scriptures" comes from Latin, and means "the writings". The

Scriptural term "The Word of God" marks out the Bible as being quite distinct from all the writings or words of men.

(1) The Inspiration of the Scriptures.

a) What word in 2 Timothy 3.16 distinguishes these Scriptures from all other writings whatsoever?

They are "God breathed" ("given-by-inspiration-of-God"). Hence all the words of the Scriptures of the Bible were recorded at the direction of God, through His chosen servants (2 Pet 1.21). How does 1 Cor 2.13 also show this?

b) Some people today have Bibles which include a part called "The Apocrypha" (meaning "hidden", because the date) origin and authorship of the books in that section are unknown or very doubtful). These books form no part of the "God-breathed" Word, and were never recognised as of Divine authority by the Jewish people, who were the appointed custodians of the Scriptures of the Old Covenant (Romans 3.1,2;9.4). It is also significant that, while there are so many clear quotations from the Old Testament found in the New, there are none in the New Testament from the Apocryphal books.

c) Furthermore, in connection with New Testament writings, Luke mentions that many others undertook to record the things which took place in those days (Luke 1.1). And little wonder. The fact remains that these other writings were not "God-breathed", and the Word of God is now complete with what we have Divinely brought together and preserved, and containing all things necessary for life and godliness (2 Peter 1.3), We need nothing more but we do need all that we have. The solemn

warnings of Revs 22.18,19 do not come by chance at the close of the Bible.

d) These sacred writings are infallible, as originally given; whereas the writings of men, whosoever they may be (all Commentaries, Notes, Prayer Books etc,) are all liable to error and to contain unscriptural teachings, even though they contain references and quotations from the Bible. (And see also "5" below - "Wresting the Scriptures").

(2) The Power of the Scriptures.

a) What is the challenge in 1 Corinthians 14.36 (first part)?

It was through the proclamation of the Word of God that the Corinthian believers had been brought into the Christian position they now occupied.

They must understand that the things Paul wrote were………………..? See verse 37.

He could not compel their obedience (2 Cor:1.24), but wished them to know that "the obedience of faith" to, and in, the Word of Goa, is the true and only pathway of joy. Therefore there is no authority above the Word of God, the "Holy Scriptures", whether the authority of a man, a group of men, or a so-called "church". On the other hand, "the Church is subject to" Whom? Ephes: 5.24, Hence what is our Lord's warning found recorded in John 12.48?

b) In view of what we have in 2 Timothy 3,15-17 what is Timothy solemnly urged to do in chapter 4.1,2? As we ourselves do that, what may we be sure the Lord will do? Mark 16.20.

What also is necessary if the Word of God is to be of spiritual profit? See Hebrews 4.2, and 1 Thessalonians 2.13.

(3) Understanding the Scriptures.

Whom did our Lord promise would come? John 16.13,14. Therefore what can we say? 1.Cor:2.9-13; 1 John 2.20. Then is any man, system or organisation necessary to interpret the Word of God to us? 1 John 2.27. Though men sent of God (John1.6) may be used to uncover the truths of God to us.

Thus, in order to learn well and according to God, the Holy Spirit, not intellect nor learning, is the only sufficient, efficient and qualified Teacher of both individuals and churches.

(4) Searching the Scriptures.

a) Why were the Bereans specially commended? Acts 17.11.

What are we to prove and hold fast? 1 Thessalonians 5.21.

How is the tradition of men, regarded by our Lord? Mark 7.6-13.

b) Thus we need to take everything we see and hear and to test it by the Scriptures. We should not reject anything because we have not heard it before. We are to read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest the Word of God for ourselves, asking the Holy Spirit to guide us into an understanding of all the Truth. Only then are we able to judge what we see and hear by the standard of Truth (1 Cor:2.10-14). If what we hear is according to the teaching of the Scriptures, then we are responsible to accept it, and act upon it. If it is not according to the teaching of the Scriptures, then we are responsible to reject it, no matter from what source it comes, or how long practised.

(5) Wresting the Scriptures.

a) See the use of this word in 2 Peter 3.16. It means "to twist". To take the teaching of the Word of God out of its proper connection and to give it a wrong meaning. What is the solemn result of so

doing? Compare also 2 Corinthians 2.17; 4.2.

b) To take one example. There is the word CHURCH. This is a translation of a Greek word ECCLESIA, which means "a called-out company of people". God calls out of this world, and from the bondage of Satan. Those who respond, obeying the Gospel, He builds them into a spiritual building, the Church, the Body of Christ (Matt 16.18; Acts 15.14; Ephes:1.22,23). Such are expected by Him to gather together for worship and service in the Name of Christ alone (Matt:18.20). Such local gatherings are called in the Scriptures, "churches" (1 Cor:1.2). But these true meanings have been lost sight of by many professing Christians today. They think of a "church" as being a building of stones, brioka, wood etc., Or they think of an organisation of professing Christians with some distinguishing name such as that of a country (e.g. "Church of England"), a man ("Lutheran"), an ordinance ("Baptist"), or a system of ecclesiastical rule ("Presbyterian") etc.,

(6) An Essential Requirement.

The first and foremost Divine requirement for all who would profit from the study of the Holy Scriptures, is that there has been REPENTANCE and FAITH, and thus NEW BIRTH (Acts 20.21; John 3.3-7). The natural mind is "alienated from the life of God" (Ephes:4.18) and no amount of education, even in the Bible itself, can change the character of that which is "enmity against God" (Rom: 8.7). Sorrow on account of sin (John 16.9), self-condemnation? and the desire to get right with God by turning in faith to the Saviour, form the key that unlocks the door, not only into the Kingdom of Heaven, but also into the riches of the Storehouse of God's Word, Divine truths are spiritually discerned and learned (1 Cor2.14). But if there is submission to the Holy Spirit's teaching in and through the Word of God, the result will be New Life and the forgiveness of sins.John 3.5 shows that the water of the Word (Ephes:5.26) is the instrument used by the Holy Spirit. Connect also 1 Peter1.23; James 1,18.

Part 4: CHRIST, CENTRE AND THEME OF ALL THE SCRIPTURES

Suggested Readings: Luke 24.25-53; John 5.39.

(1) We have seen the fact of our risen Saviour being also Lord and Master. We have seen the necessity for every true Christian to bow always and only to the supreme authority of that Lord and Master. We have also seen that the Scriptures alone form the revelation of God to mankind; the Scriptures alone are God's authoritative Guide Book for His worship and service. Nor can we separate the Living Word from the Written Word, for from Genesis to Revelation our Lord Jesus Christ is the Centre, the Object, the Theme and the End. This being so, it is of the utmost importance that we make up our minds that the one and only controlling influence of our lives is to

be CHRIST IN THE SCRIPTURES, for both ever abide the same (Heb 13.8; Matt 24.35; 1 Peter1.25).

(2) Note how this unbreakable connection between Christ, the Living Word, and the Written Word, is established by the Scriptures themselves, taking four only of the many instances therein,

a) By MOSES (Joshua22.45). What were these tribes to heed diligently? What five things had Moses charged the people to do? To love and to cleave unto whom? To walk in and keep what? Thus would there be ability to serve God how?

b) By JOSHUA (Joshua 23.6,8,11). What was to be kept (obedience) and also habitual practice)? Verse 6 with chapter 1,6-9. Whose authority was to be acknowledged? Verse 8. How does obedience to the Lord depend upon our love for Him? Verse 11 with John 14.15,21,23. Did Joshua appoint a successor? How do these Scriptures show that a successor would be unnecessary, in fact contrary to the will of God?

c) By PAUL (Acts 20.32). Would these believers ever see the Apostle again? Verses 25 and 38. Did he appoint a successor in his place? To Whom did he commend these brethren? And to what means by which they could be built up? Hence there is no such thing as Christendom's "apostolic succession". God and His Word are sufficient.

d) By CHRIST (Revelation 3,8). One Scriptural application of the teaching in the letters to the seven churches of Revelation chapters 2 and 3 i.e. that they describe the history of professing Christianity in the world from the days of the Apostles till the coming of the Lord for His saints. The letter to the assembly in Philadelphia is applicable today and concerns those for whom the Lord has a special word of commendation (see2 Cor10.18). What does he say these Philadelphian believers had kept? They had not denied? For what should a Christian rejoice to be counted worthy to suffer? Acts 5.41;

1 Peter 4.16. What will judge in the last day? John 12 verse 48.

To keep the Word of Christ and not deny His Name will surely involve material loss in this world, especially of social and civil distinction and rewards. Any position in professing Christendom will have to be abandoned. To a true and faithful Christian, the Word of his Lord is that which separates him from ALL, to Christ alone and at whatever personal cost - 2 Cor6.14-7.1; Philippians 1.21.

CONCLUSION

Once in the enjoyment of Salvation, the true Christian life opens up before you, a life of "righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit" (Rom; 14.17). It is also a life of power, for because you are now a son of God, Whom has God sent forth into your heart? Galatians 4.6. He will enable you to show forth in a changed life those graces of Christian character which are the fruit of the Spirit and the proof of His life in you (Galatians 5.22,23). Having believed and been baptized, one might well ask what ought I to do now?" The world around you will be ready to give you many answers. But as a true, faithful Christian your only concern is to ask, "Lord, what wilt Thou have me to do?" The answer He gives will alone satisfy the longing soul and result in a pathway of obedience that will glorify and honour Him who is your life. A similar question was asked by 3000 new believers in Christ nearly 2000 years ago and the Divine answer was given with all assurance and authority, so that they immediately obeyed and were found as a company with God in their midst and all the consequent signs of Divine approval. We shall do well to follow the example of this historic 3000, converted on the day of Pentecost. We read that they BELIEVED, they were BAPTIZED, and they STEADFASTLY CONTINUED in the apostles doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers (Acts2.37-42). The Word of God and the risen and glorified Christ were to them all-important. What they continued steadfastly in, and how they worshipped and served, we shall proceed to see in our future studies, in the will of the Lord. Until then, let the solemn truths of the LORDSHIP OF CHRIST and the AUTHORITY OF THE SCRIPTURES sink deep into our souls and abide there, drawing US nearer to our risen Lord in devotion and longing desire to please Him and Him alone. John 14.23,240

QUESTION PAPER

The purpose of these Questions is to encourage your own personal research work and to aid the memory. Often, of course, there are different ways of answering the same question. Answers could be quite brief, and will be returned to you in due course. Please be free to express any doubts that you may have, our desire is not to criticise, but to help.

What answer would you give to someone who suggested that "Church Truths" are not essential. Give at least one verse of Scripture to support your answer.

Why is it fitting that our first Study should concern the Lordship of Christ and the Authority of the Scriptures?

When did our Lord take away the authority of Satan, and how?

What are the two Scripture references in which our Lord states that even unconverted people address Him as "Lord, Lord"?

What two Scriptures prove that a church has no authority of itself, but is subject unto Christ?

Write out two verses which declare that both our Lord (the Living Word) and the Scriptures (the Written Word) are eternal.

What is the two-fold commendation, given to the assembly in Philadelphia, that a gathering of Christians seeking to worship and serve God according to His Divine pattern alone, should seek at all times to hear from their risen Lord?